MEET GRADUATE JANAE HILL

Alma Mater(s): Cal State University Northridge & University of La Verne, College of Law

Major/ Field of Study: Bachelors in Philosophy with a minor in English & Juris Doctor

Jen: Tell us a little about yourself?Graduate: I am graduating from University of La Verne, College of Law. I currently work for Chung & Ignacio doing civil litigation as a law clerk. This academic year, I served as a Chapter Justice for Phi Alpha Delta and Historian for the Western Region of the National Black Law Student Association.

Jen: What degree did you obtain?Graduate: Juris Doctor

Jen:What inspired you to get this degree?Graduate: Honesty, since I was in middle school, I knew I wanted to become an attorney. A teacher suggested that I should become a lawyer and I thought it was the most fitting.

Jen:What do you plan to do with your degree? What are your next steps?Graduate: Next step, take the bar July 2019 and end up on the pass list in November.

Jen: What was the most challenging aspect of obtaining your degree?Graduate: Oh boy… probably my first year of law school. It was extremely hard for me because I realized how much work it took. Also, law school was a huge adjustment for me. Everything was different. The way we were tested was different. The way I had to read was different. The way I took notes was different. Everything. It took a lot of adjusting and I am just glad that I sought help and got the hang of it.

Jen: What does this degree mean for you?Graduate: Everything. Like I said before, I only pictured myself as a lawyer and I honestly don’t know what I would do if I didn’t get this degree. I am finally in a position I have always wanted to be in.

Jen: What advice can you give others who wish to pursue this degree?Graduate: Perfect your writing. This field requires a particular type of writing but simple writing skills should be mastered first.

Jen: We all know we don’t do it by ourselves. Who was instrumental in helping you achieve your goals and dream?Graduate: My mom. Hands down. She has been my biggest supporter ever. She will show up to everything and be the proudest parent in the room. Also, I have to give credit to the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA). NBLSA has given me a sense of community that has helped me socially, professionally, and academically. NBLSA was a lot of help for getting me through law school.

Jen: Any last remarks?Graduate: I can’t express how excited I am to graduate from law school. The legal field needs more attorneys of color. I never met an attorney prior to attending law school. My goal is to normalize the idea that people who look like me can be an attorney.